Canon Announces 2009 Camcorder Line-up

Canon announced today it’s consumer camcorder line-up for 2009, updating some old favorites and releasing some exciting new models.

Of immediate interest to Videomaker readers is the Vixia HF S10/S100 model. This is Canon’s top of the line AVCHD camcorder, and deserves serious consideration even by professionals. The engineers at Canon have included a 8.59 MP CMOS chip, and the DIGIC DV III processor, as well as allowing compression at AVCHD’s upper limit of 24Mbps. What does all this technical goodness get you? 900 lines of resolution, that’s more resolution than their professional line of HDV camcorders. I was able to see some sample footage from the Vixia HF S10/S100 on a recent trip to Japan, and the image quality was outstanding.

 

Also updated was the successor to Canon’s popular Vixia HV-20 and HV-30 HDV camcorder, the Canon HV-40. The key update here is the new abiltiy to record in native 24p mode, similar to their professional products. This addition is perfect for this model, one that has found wide acceptance in the low-budget movie making market. In addition the HV-40 sports a new custom key setting, that allows you assign your own functions to a physical button on the camcorder.

 

 

Another update was the Vixia HF-20/200 AVCHD camcorders. These are the smallest camcorder’s in Canon’s line up, and have a 15x lens, and the new Video Snapshot feature. This new mode is accessed via a button, and it simply takes 4 seconds of video each time you press record. So what’s the big deal with this feature? Well, if you’ve ever had to sit through hours of boring home movies, you will appreciate Video Snapshot. In addition to limiting shots to 4 seconds, you can use the camcorder to arrange your 4 second clips in any order, and assign a piece of background music (you can upload your own tracks to the camcorder), and play them out straight to the TV from your camera. It’s automated editing for those who can’t be bothered to edit, and seems to work very well in practice.

This is just the announcement, pricing and availability aren’t  set yet. So stay tuned to the Videomaker Blog for further updates.

 

Press Release Below:

CANON U.S.A. PACKS A PUNCH WITH A POWERFUL NEW CAMCORDER LINE-UP FOR 2009

 

New Camcorders Offer Advanced Technology for Higher Image Quality and Easy Operation Across a Variety of Recording Formats

 

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 5, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc, a leader in digital imaging technology, announces an exciting new line of five VIXIA high definition and six standard definition camcorders, which are available in a variety of different recording formats, including Flash Memory.  The camcorders retain Canon’s core imaging technologies, but add a wide selection of new features for enhanced image quality and added flexibility for sharing and storing memories.

 

Highlighting the list of new features is Canon’s newest and most sophisticated image processor, DIGIC DV III.  The new HD processor is featured in select VIXIA models and delivers stunning color reproduction, clarity and enhanced noise reduction.  The newly upgraded processor’s high-speed engine powers a variety of other new camcorder features including: 8.0 Megapixel photo capture, Genuine Canon Face Detection Technology, and an advanced Auto Exposure system. 

 

Also new to Canon’s video line-up is Video Snapshot Mode, which enables users to capture the highlights of a once in a lifetime trip, or a family milestone, with the same ease as taking photos.  Consumers can now record a series of four-second video clips, and along with supplied software which includes various background music compositions, blend in background music to create an exciting movie that will hold everyone’s attention.

 

“Canon’s latest camcorder lineup features an exciting new array of advanced technologies that deliver superb image quality and easy operation,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.  “These new camcorders are available in a variety of recording formats, providing consumers a camcorder choice that complements any lifestyle or situation.”

 

VIXIA High Definition Camcorders:

All VIXIA camcorders feature Canon’s trinity of core technologies that create the highest level of high definition image quality – a Genuine Canon HD Video Lens; Canon designed and manufactured HD CMOS Image Sensor for Full HD image capture; and Canon-developed DIGIC DV II and DIGIC DV III Image Processors.  Additional features found on select VIXIA models include Instant AutoFocus, SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization and 24Mbps Recording – the highest bit rate in AVCHD. 

 

The same high quality Genuine Canon Face Detection Technology used in Canon digital cameras is now available in Canon VIXIA high definition camcorders.  Up to 35 faces can be detected automatically, and nine detection frames can be displayed at one time.  The system is so intelligent that it will even recognize faces that are turned down or sideways.  Consumers can select a face they would like the camcorder to continuously track.  While in playback, consumers can access specific scenes based on chosen faces.   

 

Canon VIXIA HF S10 and VIXIA HF S100 Flash Memory Camcorders

Canon’s top-of-the-line high definition Flash Memory camcorders, the Canon VIXIA HF S10 and VIXIA HF S100, boast an impressive range of new and advanced features.  The VIXIA HF S10 offers the option of recording video to a 32GB internal Flash drive or directly to an SDHC memory card, while the VIXIA HF S100 records to an SDHC memory card only.  Both models feature the new DIGIC DV III Image Processor, an 8.59 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor, Genuine Canon Face Detection Technology, an advanced Auto Exposure system and Video Snapshot and Dual Shot Modes.  In addition, both models deliver stunning 8.0 Megapixel digital photographs. 

 

Canon VIXIA HF20 and VIXIA HF200 Flash Memory Camcorders

Canon’s most compact high definition Flash Memory camcorders, the VIXIA HF20 and VIXIA HF200 are powerhouse options for anyone looking to take their HD camcorder with them wherever they go  The VIXIA HF20 offers the option of recording to a 32GB internal Flash drive or SDHC card slot and the VIXIA HF200 records to an SDHC memory card only.  Additional features include a 3.89 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor, newly designed Genuine Canon 15x HD Video Lens, advanced Auto Exposure system, and Video Snapshot and Dual Shot Modes.  

 

Canon VIXIA HV40 HDV Camcorder

The Canon VIXIA HV40 HDV Camcorder, a replacement to the highly acclaimed VIXIA HV30 camcorder, shares the core components found within the VIXIA line, but also offers a Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens and 2.96 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor.  What’s more, the camcorder allows consumers to record in native 24p Mode, a feature previously found only on Canon’s professional camcorders.  Native 24p allows consumer to capture and record 24 progressive frames per second to a HDV tape, a big advantage for the serious filmmaker.  Another add-on feature, Custom Key Mode, enables consumers to assign commonly used functions to a single button on the camcorder for easy access. 

 

Standard Definition Camcorders:

Standard definition camcorders offer consumers the ability to capture and watch high quality video, even if they do not own a high definition television at home.  All Canon standard definition camcorders come fully equipped with Canon’s core expertise in optics and image processing.

 

Canon FS22, FS21 and FS200 Flash Memory Camcorders

The CanonFS22, FS21 and FS200 Flash Memory camcorders are ultra-sleek and compact – up to 17 percent smaller than previous FS series models.  The FS22 and FS21 Dual Flash Memory camcorders incorporate 32GB and 16GB of internal Flash memory, respectively and can record video directly to an SDHC memory card.  Additionally, these two models feature Genuine Canon 48x Advanced Zoom, which is great for capturing sideline action from the bleachers.  The FS200 Flash Memory camcorder records video directly to an SDHC memory card and comes in three fashionable colors – Misty Silver, Sunrise Red and Evening Blue. 

 

Canon DC420 and DC410 DVD Camcorders

The DC420 and DC410 DVD camcorders are perfect for consumers who want the convenience of recording their memories directly to DVD.  The DC420 offers 48x Advanced Zoom, while the DC410 offers 41x Advanced Zoom.  Both feature a DIGIC DV II Image Processor and Widescreen Recording, as well as the flexibility of optional add-on features, such as filters and lens accessories, to help achieve a designed look. 

 

Canon ZR960 MiniDV Camcorder

For consumers who wish to record video to MiniDV, the ZR960 MiniDV camcorder is perfect.  This easy-to-use option is a beginner’s go-to product.  While still incorporating Canon’s core technologies and optics, this model provides 41x Advanced Zoom, great for capturing far-away shots, as well as a microphone terminal for better audio control.  Additionally, the flexibility of add-on features, such as filters and lens accessories, help to achieve a designed look.